Two members of Leadership Owensboro presented a project to provide the city with a new attraction Tuesday. “Brews and Tunes” would utilize one of the City’s two trolley systems and provide riders with the ability to listen to a local artist while riding through the district stopping at local bars and restaurants.
Before riding, guests will have to purchase a wristband at the Owensboro Convention Center that will verify they are of legal drinking age to ride and drink on the trolley. The second trolley rotation will not be affected.
As they presented to the commission, the Leadership Owensboro members were encouraged to expand the route the trolley would follow beyond downtown. As of right now, the route has not been decided.
Emmy Woosley said the idea came from similar cities such as Nashville having the Pedal Bar where riders pedal as they drink — yet with the trolley, it allows a more controlled environment for other downtown goers.
Drew Hardesty said this project will also be revenue generating for the city as it involves not only the purchasing of the wristbands but also the drinks, and encourages spending throughout the route. As riders get off they are able to ride the trolley back to their original destination.
At the final destination, Hardesty said they plan to have parking spots designated for rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft to safely transport the riders.
In other business, OMU Customer Service General Manager Kevin Frizzell noted that coming out of the pandemic they have set a few new goals for the company — the first being how to incorporate more sustainable options in their operations.
“We are starting a study that kicks off in early 2022 to look at the next phase of power supply for the utility,” Frizzell said. “We will be looking at all aspects including renewable options.”
They also plan to increase their servicing population, specifically their internet customers. Right now, Frizzell said they provide electricity to 25,000 customers and 24,600 customers with water. As of right now, they provide 3,000 customers with their telecommunications service.
Frizzell said their goal is to provide the entire city with fibernet internet in about 2.5 years. He referenced the small business option that has grown in users since its invention.
After the OMU presentation, Spectra Venue Management General Manager Laura Alexander presented the data on the coming year for the Convention Center and the Owensboro Sportscenter.
Alexander updated the commissioners on the floor construction occurring. After an assessment, Convention Center officials realized they are able to fit four basketball courts and they are currently thinking through purchasing an extra set of goals.
“That’s where we’re at right now, and looking at the contract to actually purchase the floor,” Alexander said. “But even if best-case scenario, you’re probably looking at mid-September before we were able to get the floor in,” Alexander said.
Alexander said that normally the Convention Center would have around 275 to 300 events per year; they are currently scheduled to have 213 this year, with most being smaller in attendance.
While they lost 18 major events, Alexander said they were able to rebook 90% of those lost for the coming year.
Also during the meeting, the city’s director of finance and support services Angela Waninger presented a TIF update regarding the Gateway Commons and downtown areas. As of right now, downtown is awarded a $24.5 million TIF award with the production of a third hotel being the “crown jewel of the TIF.” If the third hotel is to not be constructed, Waninger said consultants have said it is possible the TIF decreases to $9 million.
